Messi gets perfect birthday gift as Argentina progress in Copa America

Mumbai: 2014 World cup finalists and the Copa America finalists in 2015 and 2016, Argentina found themselves struggling at the 2019 Copa America. The team faced a shocking 2-0 defeat to Colombia, followed by a draw with Paraguay, which placed them last in the group of four teams.

In a win-or-die, Argentina could have faced an embarrassing elimination from the tournament, but thanks to Martinez and Aguero, Argentina won the battle for survival against Qatar 2-0 to progress in the tournament.

The captain, Lionel Messi also turns 32 on Monday, marking the win and progress the perfect birthday gift for the player. Having not only won but created many of footballs records, the Argentine is considered by many experts to be one of the best players of all time.

However Messi is yet to win silverware with his national side. After losing the Copa America 2007, 2015 and 2016 finals, and also being edged out by Germany in the World Cup 2014 final, Messi will be keen on winning the Copa America this year.

Argentina next face Venezuela on June 28.